The representative of “Progressive Bulgaria“ Petar Vitanov commented on his motives for joining the new formation, its political priorities and key issues of domestic and foreign policy in the program “Face to Face“.
Vitanov described the transition from BSP to “Progressive Bulgaria“ to the new coalition as a logical step. “A logical continuation. The motives are the same that we have been fighting with in the BSP all these years. Namely - the fight against the oligarchy, the fight against corruption, an attempt to restore statehood.“ He also recalled his expulsion from the BSP. “During the time of Kornelia Ninova, a group of young people were expelled. The next leadership reinstated almost everyone, but not me.“
According to him, the reason is his position against a possible coalition with GERB. “It seems to me that I was more adamant about a potential future coalition.“ According to him, the “Progressive Bulgaria” formation brings together people with different views, but a common goal: “There are people with both left-wing and right-wing beliefs, but I would say – pragmatic people.“
“People united around one thing – restoration of statehood, restoration of the separation of powers and democracy in the country.“ However, Vitanov emphasizes his own political identity: “My beliefs are and always will be left-wing.“ Economy and the role of the state He rejected claims that the coalition's program is “right“: “There is no way that a right-wing party program that envisages a more active role for the state.“
According to him, intervention is necessary to modernize the economy. “In our program, we envisage state intervention in those places that can allow for the transformation of the economy.“ Vitanov allows for debt, but with a clear goal. “We envisage there being a possibility of taking on debt, but not to secure current consumption, but rather for investments”, he said.
He was categorical about Bulgaria's direction: “The path is clear. The majority of Bulgarian society agrees with it. We do not foresee any abrupt changes.“
Regarding the EU - “I do not think that we should revise our participation in any way.“ And he stressed the need for a more active position: “The problem is that very often we do not have a position in them.“
On the topic of Ukraine, Vitanov stated that when one country invades the territory of another by force, it is an aggressor in the sense of international law.
Vitanov defined the fight against the oligarchy as the main priority of the formation. He explained how the model works: “These are people with access to public resources and enormous influence on the political decisions of the state.“ As a solution, he pointed to a technological approach: “We proposed incorporating artificial intelligence into the creation of public procurement.“
On the topic of financing, Vitanov said: “I have no problem giving personal funds, which I do.“ And he added: “There is Bulgarian legislation that provides for the ways in which a campaign is financed.“ According to him, the key stake in the elections is not simply governance: “The big stake in these elections is not even who will govern.“
And a constitutional majority for reforms: “The big stake is achieving a constitutional majority.“ Petar Vitanov outlines “Progressive Bulgaria“ as a pragmatic coalition with a focus on statehood, economic transformation and the fight against corruption. While retaining his leftist beliefs, he emphasizes non-ideological solutions and an active role for the state in key areas.